At a Glance
- Tasks: Create accurate cost estimates for major naval engineering projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence engineering with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in naval engineering while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Background in electrical engineering and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 39607 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £33,900 to £39,607 Dependent Upon Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Power the Future of Naval Engineering Through Expert Cost Insight
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Functional Estimator at our Plymouth, Devon site.
The role
As a Functional Estimator, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of major warship support programmes by producing accurate, high-quality labour and material cost estimates. Your work will directly influence project planning, commercial decisions, and programme delivery across the Warship Support business. This is an exciting opportunity to build your career within defence engineering—developing your technical capabilities while working on complex projects that demand precision, collaboration, and innovation.
Day-to-day, you’ll be required to:
- Interpret electrical engineering specifications and technical drawings to develop accurate cost estimates
- Produce detailed labour and material estimates for competitive bids and ongoing programmes
- Collaborate with engineering, commercial, and project teams to validate and refine costing assumptions
- Conduct site and ship visits to clarify client requirements and inform estimates
- Support senior estimators with cost analysis and input into future upgrade and feasibility proposals
This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week based at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Hybrid working patterns are available. You will be working a minimum of one day a week onsite.
Essential experience of the Functional Estimator
- Demonstrable background in electrical engineering with the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
- Experience working collaboratively within a team environment
- Analytical approach to problem-solving and attention to detail
- A proactive mindset with a desire to learn, develop, and progress
Qualifications for the Functional Estimator
- A recognised trade-based apprenticeship or equivalent qualification/experience in an engineering or estimating discipline
- Relevant engineering certifications or further qualifications would be advantageous
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 17/06/2026
Functional Estimator employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Plymouth, Devon. With generous benefits including a matched pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, we empower our employees to thrive while contributing to vital naval engineering projects. Join us to be part of a supportive team dedicated to creating a safe and secure world through expert cost insight.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Functional Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their projects and values, and think about how your skills as a Functional Estimator can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Functional Estimator, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Functional Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Functional Estimator role. Highlight your experience in electrical engineering and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves interpreting technical drawings, be sure to mention any specific software or tools you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running with their technical expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Functional Estimator, you'll need to be comfortable with numbers and cost estimates. Brush up on your understanding of labour and material costs related to electrical engineering. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach creating accurate estimates based on technical drawings and specifications.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or worked within a team to solve problems. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and contribute to project success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of electrical engineering and your ability to interpret technical drawings. Review key concepts and be ready to explain how you would apply them in real-world scenarios. This shows your analytical approach and attention to detail, which are crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's projects or the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values. Plus, it keeps the conversation engaging!
